What whispers do you think the stones of Rue Montgolfier hold? This street in Paris’s 3rd arrondissement pays homage to the Montgolfier brothers. They were Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne. These men invented the aerostat. We know them better as the hot air balloon.
Rue Montgolfier is not long. It stretches only 145 meters. Yet it carries a significant piece of Parisian history.
The street’s story began between 1816 and 1817. This was during the development of the Saint-Martin market. Rue Montgolfier was one of several streets created at that time. Other streets included Ferdinand-Berthoud, Borda, Conté, and Vaucanson.
An official decree ordered the street’s extension. It was to reach Rue du Vertbois. The authorities quickly acted on this decree. Soon after, the street was officially named Rue Montgolfier. This recognized the Montgolfier brothers’ contribution.
As you walk along Rue Montgolfier, notice its location. It marks the eastern edge of the old Saint-Martin-des-Champs priory. Today, it runs alongside an annex of the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers. This was once the École Centrale Paris. The Arts et Métiers metro station serves this area. This makes it easily accessible for those wishing to explore its history.
Imagine Paris in the early 19th century. The Saint-Martin market bustled with activity. Rue Montgolfier provided a new path. It connected the market area with the rest of the city. The street bears the name of innovation and daring. The Montgolfier brothers revolutionized travel. Their legacy lives on in this Parisian street.
The buildings along Rue Montgolfier offer glimpses into the past. The street’s layout reflects the urban planning of the early 1800s. The area around Rue Montgolfier has evolved. Yet it retains its historical charm.